JP7125501B2 - retail merchandise tray - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates generally to retail merchandise displays, and more particularly to self-facing retail merchandise displays used to bias retail merchandise forward.

Self-facing retail merchandise displays are widely known in the art. One such display at one time is a pusher system. Conventional pusher systems incorporate one or more pusher paddles or pusher bodies that travel over respective elongated tracks. A spring is connected between the pusher body and the tip of the track. The spring operates to bias the pusher body forward along the track toward the tip of the track.

The user can retract the pusher body away from the tip of the track and place each item of retail merchandise in a straight line on the track between the tip of the track and the pusher body. The biasing force exerted by the spring on the pusher body urges the linear row of retail items forward, ultimately acting to "front-align" the items.

That is, when the customer removes the leading merchandise item from a linear array of merchandise, the pusher body is pulled forward by the spring to index the merchandise array forward, thereby moving the next merchandise item in the array to the leading edge of the truck. It is placed closer to the department and looks better. Such auto-fronting eliminates the need for retail store employees to manually front-align items, thus ultimately reducing labor costs for the retail store.

The pusher system described above is utilized in a variety of retail display environments. One example is a retail shelf. Typically, a plurality of pusher bodies and their corresponding tracks are arranged side by side along the ledge. Each pusher body and corresponding track is separated by a partition that holds a plurality of substantially straight rows of merchandise extending from the front to the rear of the shelf. Such well-known configurations are found, by way of example, in many retail outlets selling sanitary products such as deodorants.

In another configuration, the pusher system may be implemented as a standalone pusher tray. Such trays may include means for mounting the tray as a cantilever extending from another structure, such as a bar. Such trays may be installed directly on retail shelves. Additionally, such trays may include adjustable side barriers to accommodate items of varying widths. Examples of such trays are each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, U.S. Pat. will be easily found in

The present invention relates to improvements in the pusher system described above, and more particularly to the pusher tray described above. These and other advantages of the present invention, as well as additional inventive features, will become apparent from the description of the invention provided herein.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a retail merchandise tray incorporating an easy-to-install wire support structure. A retail merchandise tray according to this aspect advantageously eliminates any welding process to secure the wire support structure to the remainder of the tray. One embodiment according to this aspect includes a pair of opposing load bearing members and a front stop mounted to the pair of load bearing members. The retail merchandise tray of this embodiment further includes a wire support structure having opposed first and second ends. A wire support structure is removably attached to the front stop at a first end and removably attached to the load bearing member pair at a second end. The retail merchandise tray of this embodiment further includes a pusher mounted on the wire support structure to move along the wire support structure in the direction of the first axis toward and away from the front stop. Includes moveable pushers. Also included is at least one divider assembly that is movable relative to the pair of opposing load bearing members in a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. A pair of spacers are aligned along the first axis, are interposed between the pair of load bearing members, and underlie the wire support frame.

In embodiments according to this aspect, the at least one divider assembly includes a pair of divider assemblies, the pair of divider assemblies are movable about the second axis, and the pair of load bearing members are between the pair of divider assemblies. The partition assembly pairs are arranged so that they are interposed between the . At least one divider assembly includes a divider wall and a pair of wire supports. The wire support pairs are removably attached to the partition by elastic connections.

In embodiments according to this aspect, the partition wall includes an upright portion having opposite sides. A flange extends perpendicular to the upright portion from at least one of the opposing sides. At least one divider assembly includes a baffle plate extension connected to at least one flange by a slidable connection. A baffle plate extension is mounted to each spacer of the spacer pair by a slidable connection so as to be slidable relative to the spacer pair and slidable relative to the partition wall. . A slidable connection between the baffle plate extension and at least one flange includes a tab extending downwardly from the flange and a slot formed in the baffle plate extension for receiving the tab. A slidable connection between the baffle plate extension and the spacer pair includes a pair of clips formed on the baffle plate extension, one clip of the clip pair connected to one spacer of the spacer pair. , the other clip of the clip pair is connected to the other spacer of the spacer pair.

In embodiments according to this aspect, a baffle plate is connected to the spacer pair. The baffle plate includes a pair of clips, one clip of the clip pair connected to one spacer of the spacer pair and the other clip of the clip pair connected to the other spacer of the spacer pair.

Embodiments according to this aspect provide a shelf mount arrangement for mounting a retail merchandise tray to a shelf. The shelf mount arrangement is a mount plate removably attached to one of the spacer pair, the mount plate having an extension configured to extend into the shelf aperture to secure the tray to the shelf, or A mounting rail configured to be mounted to a retail shelf and at least one mounting tab, the plurality of teeth spaced apart to receive the at least one mounting tab in spaces between adjacent teeth. and wherein at least one mounting tab is formed on the front stop.

In embodiments according to this aspect, the front stop includes a mounting portion and an upstanding portion. The mounting portion is either integrally molded with the upright portion as a rigid, one-piece component, or is molded as a separate piece from the upright portion and hinges between the upright portion and the mounting portion. is formed to allow the upstanding portion to rotate about the hinge relative to the mounting portion.

In embodiments according to this aspect, the wire support structure includes a lateral element and at least one longitudinal element extending from the lateral element. The transverse element includes a pair of opposed ends with a key formed adjacent each end of the opposed ends. Each key is respectively positioned to pass through a keyway formed in each load bearing member of the load bearing member pair, whereby the load bearing member pairs are keyed on each end of the transverse member. intervene between

In another aspect, the present invention provides a retail merchandise tray that uses a divider assembly assembled with elastic connections. This advantageously eliminates the need for welding on the partition assembly and permits quick replacement of the partition walls of the partition assembly. One embodiment according to this aspect includes a pair of opposing load bearing members with a front stop mounted to the pair of load bearing members. The retail merchandise tray of this embodiment further includes a wire support structure including lateral elements and at least one longitudinal element extending from the lateral elements. At least one longitudinal element extends parallel to and intervenes between the pair of load bearing members. A pusher is mounted on the wire support structure. The pusher is movable along the wire support structure in the direction of the first axis toward and away from the front stop. The retail merchandise tray of this embodiment further includes at least one divider assembly movable relative to the pair of opposing load bearing members in a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. is. At least one partition includes a partition wall and a pair of wire supports removably attached to the partition by elastic connections. A pair of spacers are aligned along the first axis, are interposed between the pair of load bearing members, and underlie the wire support frame. A spacer pair receives the wire support of at least one partition.

In embodiments according to this aspect, the at least one divider assembly includes a pair of divider assemblies, the pair of divider assemblies are movable about the second axis, and the pair of load bearing members are between the pair of divider assemblies. The partition assembly pairs are arranged so that they are interposed between the .

In an embodiment according to this aspect, the wire support structure has opposed first and second ends. A wire support structure is removably attached to the front stop at a first end and removably attached to the load bearing member pair at a second end.

In embodiments according to this aspect, the partition wall includes an upright portion having opposite sides. A flange extends perpendicular to the upright portion from at least one of the opposing sides. At least one divider assembly includes a baffle plate extension connected to at least one flange by a slidable connection. A baffle plate extension is mounted to each spacer of the spacer pair by a slidable connection so as to be slidable relative to the spacer pair and slidable relative to the partition wall. . A slidable connection between the baffle plate extension and at least one flange includes a tab extending downwardly from the flange and a slot formed in the baffle plate extension for receiving the tab. A slidable connection between the baffle plate extension and the spacer pair includes a pair of clips formed on the baffle plate extension, one clip of the clip pair connected to one spacer of the spacer pair. , the other clip of the clip pair is connected to the other spacer of the spacer pair.

In embodiments according to this aspect, a baffle plate is connected to the spacer pair. The baffle plate includes a pair of clips, one clip of the clip pair connected to one spacer of the spacer pair and the other clip of the clip pair connected to the other spacer of the spacer pair.

Embodiments according to this aspect provide a shelf mount arrangement for mounting a retail merchandise tray to a shelf. The shelf mount arrangement is a mount plate removably attached to one of the spacer pair, the mount plate having an extension configured to extend into the shelf aperture to secure the tray to the shelf, or A mounting rail configured to be mounted to a retail shelf and at least one mounting tab, the plurality of teeth spaced apart to receive the at least one mounting tab in spaces between adjacent teeth. and wherein at least one mounting tab is formed on the front stop.

In embodiments according to this aspect, the front stop includes a mounting portion and an upstanding portion. The mounting portion is either integrally molded with the upright portion as a rigid, one-piece component, or is molded as a separate piece from the upright portion and hinges between the upright portion and the mounting portion. is formed to allow the upstanding portion to rotate about the hinge relative to the mounting portion.

In embodiments according to this aspect, the wire support structure includes a lateral element and at least one longitudinal element extending from the lateral element. The transverse element includes a pair of opposed ends with a key formed adjacent each end of the opposed ends. Each key is respectively positioned to pass through a keyway formed in each load bearing member of the load bearing member pair, whereby the load bearing member pairs are keyed on each end of the transverse member. intervene between

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a retail merchandise tray that advantageously utilizes a keying arrangement to mount a wire support structure. One embodiment according to this aspect includes a pair of opposing load bearing members with a front stop mounted to the pair of load bearing members. The retail merchandise tray of this embodiment further includes a wire support structure including lateral elements and at least one longitudinal element extending from the lateral elements. The lateral elements include pairs of opposing ends. A key is formed adjacent each of its opposite ends. Each key is respectively positioned to pass through a keyway formed in each load bearing member of the load bearing member pair, whereby the load bearing member pairs are keyed on each end of the transverse member. intervene between The retail merchandise tray of this embodiment further includes a pusher mounted to the wire support structure. The pusher is movable along the wire support structure in the direction of the first axis toward and away from the front stop. At least one divider assembly is movable relative to the pair of opposing load bearing members in a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. A pair of spacers are aligned along the first axis, are interposed between the pair of load bearing members, and underlie the wire support frame.

In embodiments according to this aspect, the at least one divider assembly includes a pair of divider assemblies, the pair of divider assemblies are movable about the second axis, and the pair of load bearing members are between the pair of divider assemblies. The partition assembly pairs are arranged so that they are interposed between the .

In an embodiment according to this aspect, the wire support structure has opposed first and second ends. A wire support structure is removably attached to the front stop at a first end and removably attached to the load bearing member pair at a second end.

In embodiments according to this aspect, the partition wall includes an upright portion having opposite sides. A flange extends perpendicular to the upright portion from at least one of the opposing sides. At least one divider assembly includes a baffle plate extension connected to at least one flange by a slidable connection. A baffle plate extension is mounted to each spacer of the spacer pair by a slidable connection so as to be slidable relative to the spacer pair and slidable relative to the partition wall. . A slidable connection between the baffle plate extension and at least one flange includes a tab extending downwardly from the flange and a slot formed in the baffle plate extension for receiving the tab. A slidable connection between the baffle plate extension and the spacer pair includes a pair of clips formed on the baffle plate extension, one clip of the clip pair connected to one spacer of the spacer pair. , the other clip of the clip pair is connected to the other spacer of the spacer pair.

In embodiments according to this aspect, a baffle plate is connected to the spacer pair. The baffle plate includes a pair of clips, one clip of the clip pair connected to one spacer of the spacer pair and the other clip of the clip pair connected to the other spacer of the spacer pair.

Embodiments according to this aspect provide a shelf mount arrangement for mounting a retail merchandise tray to a shelf. The shelf mount arrangement is a mount plate removably attached to one of the spacer pair, the mount plate having an extension configured to extend into the shelf aperture to secure the tray to the shelf, or A mounting rail configured to be mounted to a retail shelf and at least one mounting tab, the plurality of teeth spaced apart to receive the at least one mounting tab in spaces between adjacent teeth. and wherein at least one mounting tab is formed on the front stop.

In embodiments according to this aspect, the front stop includes a mounting portion and an upstanding portion. The mounting portion is either integrally molded with the upright portion as a rigid, one-piece component, or is molded as a separate piece from the upright portion and hinges between the upright portion and the mounting portion. is formed to allow the upstanding portion to rotate about the hinge relative to the mounting portion.

In embodiments according to this aspect, the at least one divider assembly includes a divider wall and a pair of wire supports. The wire support pairs are removably attached to the partition by elastic connections.

Other aspects, objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent by reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

Although the present invention will be described in terms of certain preferred embodiments, it is not intended that the invention be limited to those embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

1 is a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of a retail merchandise tray in accordance with the teachings herein; FIG. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the retail merchandise tray of Figure 1; 2 is a cross-sectional view of the retail merchandise tray of FIG. 1 in the area of spacers; FIG. Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of the partition assembly of Figure 1 showing its resilient connection; Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of the retail merchandise tray of Figure 1 showing its front stop; Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of the retail merchandise tray of Figure 1 showing its pushers; 7 is another perspective view of the pusher shown in FIG. 6; FIG. Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of the retail merchandise tray of Figure 1 showing the removable connection between the wire support structure and the load bearing member of the retail merchandise tray; 2 is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of the retail merchandise tray of FIG. 1; FIG. Figure 10 is an exploded side view of the retail merchandise tray of Figure 9; Figure 10 is a partial perspective view of the divider assembly of the retail merchandise tray of Figure 9, showing the slidable connection between the divider wall and the baffle plate extension of the divider assembly; FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of the divider assembly shown in FIG. 11 showing the slidable connection between the baffle plate extension of the retail merchandise tray and the spacer; FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the area of the slidable connection between the baffle plate extension and the spacer; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a retail merchandise tray in accordance with the teachings herein; 15 is a partial perspective view of a shelf mount configuration in the form of a mounting plate for the retail merchandise tray of FIG. 14; FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the mounting plate of FIG. 15; FIG. Figure 15 is a partial side view of the retail merchandise tray of Figure 14 showing a mounting plate for mounting the retail merchandise tray to a shelf; FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a shelf mount configuration for retail merchandise trays showing a plurality of retail merchandise trays such as shown in FIG. 14 mounted on mounting rails that receive at least one mounting tab; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing; 19 is an exploded perspective view showing one of the retail merchandise trays of FIG. 18 separated from the mounting rails to expose at least one mounting tab of the retail merchandise tray received between adjacent teeth of the mounting rails; FIG. . Figure 2 is a perspective view of the retail merchandise tray of Figure 1 utilizing a foldable front stop, showing the foldable front stop in an operational position; FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the retail merchandise tray of FIG. 20 showing the foldable front stop transitioning from the active position to the loaded position; Figure 22 is a partial perspective view of the foldable front stop shown in Figures 20-21; 2 is a perspective view of the retail merchandise tray of FIG. 1 utilizing an alternative embodiment of the divider wall assembly; FIG.

Referring now to the drawings, various embodiments of retail merchandise trays are illustrated. A retail merchandise tray (hereinafter referred to as a "tray") in accordance with the teachings herein has the advantage of reduced assembly time and reduced assembly costs, which in part is achieved without welding its various components. by interconnection. Additionally, the tray according to the teachings herein provides a new and improved methodology for the baffle plate, where the conventional methodology required a separate plate to be attached under the tray with its own independent mount. rice field. Additionally, trays according to the teachings herein provide a new and improved shelf mount configuration in which the trays are mounted directly to retail shelves. These and other advantages will be appreciated from the detailed description below.

Referring first to FIG. 1, a tray 100 is shown having a pair of load bearing members 102 . Both load bearing members 102 are the same, so the description for one applies equally to the other. Front stop 104 is connected to the load bearing member at first end 114 of tray 100 . The front stop 104 may include integral or attached additional structures such as price channel protrusions, faceplates, and the like.

A wire support frame 110 (see FIG. 2) is removably attached to the load bearing member adjacent the second end 116 of tray 100 . The wire support frame is also removably attached to front stop 104 adjacent first end 114 . In other words, the wire support frame has opposed first and second ends that adjoin the first and second ends 114, 116 of the tray 100, respectively.

A first end of wire support frame 110 is removably attached to front stop 104 , while a second end is removably attached to load bearing member 102 . As used herein, the phrase "removably attached" indicates that the attachment can be easily and non-destructively released, and that attachment and detachment can be repeated thereafter as well. means. In this sense, "removably attached" does not encompass welding, co-molding, or other forms of permanent attachment that require breaking or damaging components to remove attachment.

A pusher 106 is mounted on the wire support structure 110 and is slidable on the wire support structure 110 in directions 120,122. Pusher 106 urges one or more rows of retail merchandise resting on wire support structure 110 and load bearing member 102 from second end 116 of tray 100 to first end 114 of tray 100 . can operate as As can be seen by looking closely at FIG. 1, pusher 106 may employ a honeycomb structure to reduce its overall weight. Pusher 106 is biased by the force of a coil spring or other biasing element, as described below.

A pair of movable divider assemblies 108 are positioned on each side of the tray 100 . Divider assemblies 108 are movable in directions 124 , 126 to adjust the width or distance between divider assemblies 108 . Such lateral adjustment makes it possible to accommodate retail items of varying widths. As will be described below, divider assemblies 108 are removably attached between their divider walls and wire supports. This advantageously allows the use of elastic or "snap" connections for connecting the partitions. As a result, it is possible to use lightweight materials for the partition walls themselves and more robust materials for the wire supports.

As can be further seen from FIG. 1, each load bearing member 102 includes a notch 118 sized to receive a retail merchandise bar of the type typically found in a refrigerated case or other retail merchandise display. This allows cantilever mounting of the tray 100 .

Referring now to FIG. 2, an exploded view of compartment 100 is shown. As can be seen from this view, the tray 100 further includes spacers 112 which are used on the one hand to provide lateral spacing between the load bearing members 102 and, on the other hand, the partition assembly 108 as described below. used to receive wire supports of Both spacers 112 are the same, so the description for one applies equally to the other. These spacers may be formed of a lightweight material, such as plastic or the like, and may be attached to the load bearing members 102 at the side edges of the spacers 112 such that the spacers 112 are interposed between the load bearing members 102 .

The two divider assemblies 108 shown are identical. Therefore, descriptions for one apply equally to the other. Furthermore, although two divider assemblies 108 are shown, in some alternative configurations only one divider assembly 108 may be used, and in some alternative configurations the divider assembly 108 may be fully divided. May be omitted.

Divider assembly 108 includes a divider wall 132 and a pair of wire supports 134 removably attached to divider wall 132 . Each wire support 134 is connected to the partition wall 132 with a resilient "snap" type connection to hold the partition wall 132 in place during operation. The partition further includes a flange 148 extending perpendicular to the rest of the partition, which is shown in a generally upright position. This flange 148 may be utilized to support items that extend laterally beyond the load bearing member 102 .

Each wire support 134 has a straight portion 136 and a curved portion 138 that is generally perpendicular to the straight portion 136 . Curved portion 138 is received in a corresponding slot 140 formed in partition wall 132 . Each slot is formed with a passageway for receiving straight portion 136 so that straight portion 136 passes through partition wall 132 until curved portion 138 reaches slot 140 . This configuration allows the divider assembly 108 to be made of multiple materials, with the wire supports 134 being formed of a rigid material such as metal, while the divider wall 132 is formed of a lightweight material such as, for example, plastic. may be Further, as did pusher 106, partition wall 132 may also employ a honeycomb structure to reduce its overall weight.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the wire support structure 110 includes a lateral member 154 and a pair of longitudinal members 156 extending generally perpendicular to the lateral member 154 . As its name suggests, the wire support structure 110 is formed of metal wire, with the longitudinal members 156 welded to the transverse members 154 . Although two longitudinal members 156 are shown, fewer or more than two longitudinal members 156 may be used depending on the overall width of tray 100 .

Referring now to FIG. 3, a cross-section of the frontmost spacer 112 shown in FIG. 2 is shown. This view shows bent portion 138 received in slot 140 . This view also shows a passageway 144 formed within slot 140 in partition wall 132 . A corresponding passageway 142 is also formed in each load bearing member 102 , the passageway 142 being aligned with the passageway 144 in the partition wall 132 . This alignment allows the straight portion 136 to pass through the partition wall 132 , through the load bearing member 102 and into the corresponding passageway 146 of the spacer 112 . Each spacer 112 has a pair of passages 146 that overlap each other as shown. Spacer 112 is attached to load bearing member 102 with fasteners as shown or by any other mechanical means.

Referring to FIG. 4, each slot 140 includes several elastic tabs 148. As shown in FIG. These tabs extend into slot 140 and when bent portion 138 enters slot 140, these tabs elastically deform out of their original position and then return to their original position as shown in FIG. Return to position. This holds each wire support 134 in place against the partition wall 132 .

Referring now to FIG. 5, front stop 104 is mounted to load bearing member 102 as shown. Specifically, the front stop 104 has a mounting portion 160 extending generally perpendicular to an upright portion 162 as shown. In this mounting portion, laterally extending tabs 164 are received in corresponding open slots 166 formed in load bearing member 102 . These tabs 164 and their respective slots 166 are U-shaped to prevent rotation with respect to each other. This has the advantage of reducing unwanted rotation of the front stop 104 relative to the load bearing member 102 . Further, on the mounting portion 160, projections 168 may be received in corresponding apertures 170 for the same purpose.

The mounting portion 160 further includes a pocket 158 in which the distal end of the longitudinal member 156 is received and supported from its underside. Thus, wire support structure 110 is supported on both sides, as described above.

Referring to FIG. 6, the pusher 106 can slide over the wire support structure 110 as described above. To this end, pusher 106 includes a wire receiving passageway 178 through which longitudinal member 156 extends. 6, the pusher 106 is fully supported by the wire structure 110. FIG. As a result, contact between the pusher 106 and the rest of the tray 100 is minimized, reducing or eliminating the possibility of motion jamming and the like.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 7, a spring opening 182 is formed through pusher 106 to feed the non-coiled portion of coil spring 180 . This coil spring 180 rests against the pusher 106 and its free end passes through the opening 180 and connects to the front stop 104, or any other portion of the tray 100, to form the second spring shown in FIG. A biasing force is applied to the pusher 106 sufficient to pull the pusher 106 from the end 116 of the first end 114 to the first end 114 .

Referring now to FIG. 8, transverse member 154 includes keys 184 adjacent opposite ends of transverse member 154 . FIG. 8 shows one end of the transverse member 154 and its respective key 184 . The same configuration exists at the other end. These keys are sized to pass through keyways 186 formed in load bearing member 102 .

As shown, outer keys 184 pass through keyways 186 such that load bearing member 102 is interposed between keys 184 . This configuration maintains the lateral positioning of the wire support frame 110 relative to the load bearing member 102 . It is also possible to omit the inner keys 184 at each end of the transverse member 154 and use only the outer keys 184 , whereby the load bearing member 102 is interposed between these outer keys 184 .

Referring now to FIG. 9, an alternate embodiment of tray 100 is shown in the form of tray 200 . This embodiment and the embodiment of tray 100 described above are the same except for the following notable differences. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, duplicate descriptions of the same structures as those described above are omitted.

In fact, load bearing member 202, front stop 204, and pushers 206 and spacers 212, which are also incorporated into tray 200, are identical in form and function to the same components described above with respect to Figures 1-8. In contrast, divider assembly 208 is constructed differently. Both of these divider assemblies 208 are the same, so the description for one applies equally to the other. Additionally, this embodiment also incorporates a baffle plate 228 along the underside of tray 200 .

Focusing first on the latter of the two notable differences discussed above, baffle plate 238 is removably attached to tray 200 . Specifically, referring to FIG. 10, baffle plate 238 includes elastic clips 250, which sandwich spacers 212, as shown again with reference to FIG. This allows the baffle plate 238 to be snapped onto and off the tray 200 . As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, existing baffle plates are typically separate structures from any trays, etc., and are typically each individually mounted behind the retail display. need to Advantageously, in the present invention, baffle plate 238 is self-contained and each tray 200 is mounted directly on baffle plate 238 .

As also generally understood in the art, baffle plates are used to prevent the high density cold air of a refrigerated environment from rapidly passing over top trays such as refrigerated cases. Such baffle plates typically slow down this flow of cold air so that the upper and lower trays are exposed to approximately the same amount of cold air. To ensure that this principle is practiced in the present invention, the divider assembly 208 also uses a dedicated baffle plate extension to provide a continuous baffle across the width of the tray 200 when the divider assembly 208 is extended. Make sure the baffle plate surface is exposed. While this configuration is equally advantageous in slowing or blocking unwanted cold air flow past the tray 200, it is advantageous that the baffle configuration is self-contained, as described above.

To this end and referring now to Figure 11, in each divider assembly 208, a divider wall 232 is attached to a wire support 234, similar to that described above. However, the divider assembly also includes baffle plate extensions 230 . A slidable connection is formed between the baffle plate extension 230 and the flange 248 of the partition wall 232 . The slidable connection is such that tabs 272 on flange 248 extend downward into corresponding slots 274 formed in the baffle plate extension. As a result, flange 248 and baffle plate extension 230 form a continuous baffle plate surface as shown.

Referring now to FIG. 12, the baffle plate extension is connected to spacer 212, also in a slidable connection. As a result, when partition wall 232 is pulled away from tray 200, tabs 272 slide within slots 274 and eventually reach the position shown in FIG. Thereafter, as partition wall 232 continues to move laterally away from tray 200, baffle plate extension 230 slides along spacer 212 and baffle plate extension 230 is also shown in FIG. position, it is allowed to move laterally outward.

Still referring to FIG. 12, this slidable connection of baffle plate extension 230 to spacer 212 is formed by slidable clip 276 . These clips 276 include rounded portions 278 that partially clip around corresponding rounded portions of spacer 212 . Thus, the baffle plate extension is fixed to spacer 212 but is slidable along spacer 212 .

13, the laterally outward movement of each baffle plate extension 230 causes the downwardly extending extension portion 288 of the baffle plate extension 230 to extend generally vertically from the support portion 290 of the baffle plate extension 230. continues until it hits the load bearing member 202 as shown.

Referring to FIG. 14, there is shown a tray 300 which is substantially the same as tray 100, the difference being that tray 300 includes a differently designed load bearing member 302 and a shelf that mounts tray 300 directly to the retail shelf surface. It is to use the mount configuration. Each of these features is described below.

As noted above, the rest of tray 300 is the same as tray 100 previously described, and therefore, for the sake of brevity, duplicate detailed descriptions of the same features are omitted. Indeed, tray 300 also includes a pair of front stops 304, pushers 306, divider assemblies 308, wire support structures 310, and spacers 312 (see FIG. 15), each of which corresponds to the structure described above with respect to tray 100. are the same.

However, the load bearing member 302 no longer utilizes cutouts such as the cutouts 118 shown in FIG. Instead, the load bearing member 302 has a generally flat bottom surface so that it rests directly on a shelf. As previously mentioned, the tray 300 further incorporates a shelf mount arrangement for securing the tray 300 on retail shelves.

One embodiment of such a shelf mount configuration is shown in FIG. This embodiment includes a mounting plate 392 that sandwiches the frontmost spacer 312 of the tray 300 . Mounting plate 392 includes a pair of extensions 394 that are generally hook-shaped and configured to extend into apertures formed in retail shelves.

Referring to FIG. 16, mounting plate 392 employs clips 396 that are very similar to the clips described above for removably attaching mounting plate 392 to spacer 312 .
Although two extensions 394 are shown, fewer or more extensions may be available.
FIG. 17 shows tray 300 mounted on shelf 398 . As can be seen in this view, extension 394 secures tray 300 to shelf 398 by extending through an aperture in the shelf.

FIG. 18 shows another embodiment of a shelf mount configuration. In this embodiment, a plurality of trays 300 are mounted on mounting rails 500 , which are mounted directly on shelves 398 . Each tray 300 is secured to shelf 398 by snapping into mounting rails 500, as described below. Although two trays 300 are shown, the mounting rails 500 may be of any length to accommodate three or more trays 300 .

19 shows one of the trays 300 detached from the mounting rails 500. FIG. As can be seen from this view, the mounting rail 500 includes a plurality of teeth 502 with spaces between each adjacent set of teeth. These spaces 504 are configured to receive tabs 506 formed on front stop 304 . Although two tabs 506 are used in the illustrated embodiment, fewer or more tabs 506 may be used. The width of each tab 506 is such that each tab 506 fits tightly into each space 504 . As a result, tray 300 can be removably attached to mounting rails 500 .

FIG. 20 illustrates how the tray 100 of FIGS. 1-8 utilizes another embodiment 604 of the front stop. The front stop 604 is foldable from the operational position shown in FIG. 20 to the loaded position shown in FIG. As can be seen in FIG. 21, in the loaded position, the front stop 604 is rotated to a substantially flat position to load the tray 100 from the first end 114 (see FIG. 1) of the tray 100 with retail items. it becomes possible to This is a significant advantage over other designs where the front stop cannot be folded. This is because in such non-collapsible designs, the product is normally loaded from the rear of the tray, i.e., the non-collapsible front stopper interferes with loading and is difficult to load from the front. is.

FIG. 22 shows the back side of front stop 604 . Front stop 604 includes a mounting portion 660 and an upright portion 662 . However, unlike front stop 104, these portions 660, 662 are not integrally molded. The mounting portion 660 is separate from the upstanding portion 662 rather than integral, forming a hinge between these components. In effect, hinge pin 704 extends through mount portion 660 and is received at hinge lug 708 on upstanding portion 662 . Upstanding portion 662 is rotatable relative to mounting portion 660 about hinge pin 704 . A spring 706 is also associated with the hinge pin 704 and biases the upright portion 662 to keep the upright portion 662 in an upright position. By pushing the front surface of upright portion 662 with a force greater than this biasing force, upright portion 662 can be rotated about hinge pin 704 . This configuration has the advantage that the tray 100 can be loaded in a short time. It should be noted that front stop 604 is shown with tray 100, but may be utilized with any tray described herein.

FIG. 23 shows another embodiment 800 of a tray. This tray is similar to the trays described above in that it includes a pair of load bearing members 802 , a front stop 804 , a pusher 806 , a wire support structure 810 and a divider assembly 808 . A significant difference between tray 800 and each tray described above is that tray 800 utilizes only one divider assembly 808 . This divider assembly 808 is substantially similar to the trays described above in that divider walls 832 are removably attached to wire supports 834 as shown.

However, since only one divider assembly 808 is used, the divider assembly 808 is configured to be shared with adjacent trays (not shown) that also have only one divider. In other words, the partition wall 832 is shared between two adjacent trays 800 . For this purpose, flanges 848 of partition wall 832 extend on both sides thereof. This allows the partition wall 832 to support not only the items in the illustrated tray 800, but also items in an adjacent tray 800 (not shown). Further, although not shown, it is also envisioned that this single partition wall may be connected to two baffle plate extensions as described above with respect to tray 200 . In such a configuration, flange 848 would also include tabs as described above to provide a slidable connection with the baffle plate extension. More generally, this single compartment assembly configuration may be used with any of the trays described herein.

As thus far described, trays according to the teachings herein offer various advantages over existing configurations, reduced labor intensity and reduced assembly process labor intensity, to name just a few. an integrated baffle plate configuration to easily accommodate tray divider movement; an intuitive shelf mount configuration; a collapsible front stop configuration; There are things that can be shared with

All documents, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference in the manner in which each individual specific reference is made, and Incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if expressly written herein.

The use of the words "a," "an," and "the," and similar denoting terms in the context of describing the present invention (especially in the context of the claims that follow) are herein referred to as It should be construed as including both singular and plural unless otherwise indicated or clearly contradicted by context. Unless otherwise specified, the words “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are open-ended terms (i.e., “including , without limitation”). Recitation of numerical ranges herein is intended merely to serve as a shorthand method for referring individually to each value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein. and each value is incorporated herein as if individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. Any examples or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") given herein, unless otherwise claimed, are intended merely to further clarify the invention, and are intended only to further clarify the invention. It is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect those skilled in the art to employ such variations as appropriate, and do not intend the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. ing. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations of the preferred embodiments is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
[Appendix 1]
a pair of opposing load bearing members;
a front stop mounted to the pair of load bearing members;
A wire support structure having opposed first and second ends, said wire support structure being removably attached to said front stop at said first end and at said second end. the wire support structure removably attached to the pair of load bearing members at
A pusher mounted to the wire support structure, the pusher moving along the wire support structure in a first axis direction toward and away from the front stop. the pusher capable of
at least one divider assembly movable relative to the pair of opposing load bearing members in a second axis perpendicular to the first axis;
a pair of spacers aligned along the first axis, interposed between the pair of load bearing members and positioned below the wire support frame;
retail merchandise trays containing
[Appendix 2]
The at least one divider assembly includes a pair of divider assemblies, the pair of divider assemblies are movable about the second axis, and the pair of load bearing members are interposed between the pair of divider assemblies. 2. The retail merchandise tray of Claim 1, wherein said pairs of divider assemblies are arranged as follows.
[Appendix 3]
2. The retail item of clause 1, wherein the at least one divider assembly includes a divider wall and a wire support pair, the wire support pair removably attached to the divider by a resilient connection. tray.
[Appendix 4]
4. The retail merchandise tray of Claim 3, wherein said partition wall includes an upright portion having opposite sides and a flange extending perpendicular to said upright portion from at least one of said opposite sides.
[Appendix 5]
The at least one divider assembly includes a baffle plate extension connected to the at least one flange by a slidable connection, the baffle plate extension slidable relative to the spacer pair. and mounted to each spacer of said spacer pair by a slidable connection so as to be slidable relative to said partition wall.
[Appendix 6]
The slidable connection between the baffle plate extension and the at least one flange includes a tab extending downwardly from the flange and a slot formed in the baffle plate extension for receiving the tab. wherein the slidable connection between the baffle plate extension and the spacer pair includes a pair of clips formed on the baffle plate extension, one clip of the pair of clips being connected to the spacer 6. The retail merchandise tray of Claim 5, wherein the other clip of said pair of clips is connected to one spacer of a pair and the other clip of said pair of clips is connected to the other spacer of said pair of spacers.
[Appendix 7]
a baffle plate connected to the spacer pair, the baffle plate including a pair of clips, one clip of the clip pair connected to one spacer of the spacer pair, and the other clip of the clip pair is connected to the other spacer of the spacer pair.
[Appendix 8]
further comprising a shelf mount arrangement for mounting said retail merchandise tray to a shelf, said shelf mount arrangement comprising:
a mounting plate removably attached to one of the spacer pair, the mounting plate having an extension configured to extend into an aperture of the shelf to secure the tray to the shelf; or
a plurality of mounting rails configured to be mounted to the retail shelf and at least one mounting tab spaced apart to receive the at least one mounting tab in spaces between adjacent teeth; teeth, and wherein the at least one mounting tab is formed on the front stop
The retail merchandise tray of Claim 1, comprising any of
[Appendix 9]
the front stop includes a mount portion and an upright portion, the mount portion being integrally molded with the upright portion as a rigid, one-piece component or molded as a separate piece from the upright portion. 3. any of claim 1, wherein a hinge is formed between said upright portion and said mount portion to allow said upright portion to rotate relative to said mount portion about said hinge; Retail merchandise tray as described.
[Appendix 10]
The wire support structure includes a transverse element and at least one longitudinal element extending from the transverse element, the transverse element including a pair of opposed ends, each end of the opposed ends keys are formed adjacent to the portions, each key disposed to pass through a keyway formed in each load bearing member of the pair of load bearing members, respectively, whereby the load bearing members 11. The retail merchandise tray of Claim 10, wherein a pair is interposed between said keys formed on each end of said transverse member.
[Appendix 11]
a pair of opposing load bearing members;
a front stop mounted to the pair of load bearing members;
A wire support structure including a transverse element and at least one longitudinal element extending from said transverse element, said at least one longitudinal element extending parallel to said pair of load bearing members for supporting said load bearing members. the wire support structure interposed between the pair of load members;
A pusher mounted to the wire support structure, the pusher moving along the wire support structure in a first axis direction toward and away from the front stop. the pusher capable of
at least one partition assembly movable relative to said pair of opposing load bearing members in a second axis perpendicular to said first axis, said at least one partition comprising a partition wall; and a pair of wire supports, said pair of wire supports being removably attached to said partition by elastic connections;
a pair of spacers aligned along the first axis, interposed between the pair of load bearing members and positioned below the wire support frame, the wire supports of the at least one partition; the spacer pair receiving
retail merchandise trays containing
[Appendix 12]
The at least one divider assembly includes a pair of divider assemblies, the pair of divider assemblies are movable about the second axis, and the pair of load bearing members are interposed between the pair of divider assemblies. 12. The retail merchandise tray of Claim 11, wherein said pairs of divider assemblies are arranged as follows.
[Appendix 13]
The wire support structure has first and second opposite ends, the wire support structure is removably attached to the front stop at the first end and at the second end. 12. The retail merchandise tray of Claim 11, removably attached to said load bearing member pair at a portion.
[Appendix 14]
14. The retail merchandise tray of Claim 13, wherein said partition wall includes an upright portion having opposed sides, and a flange extending perpendicularly to said upright portion from at least one of said opposed sides.
[Appendix 15]
The at least one divider assembly includes a baffle plate extension connected to the at least one flange by a slidable connection, the baffle plate extension slidable relative to the spacer pair. and mounted to each spacer of said spacer pair by a slidable connection so as to be slidable relative to said partition wall.
[Appendix 16]
The slidable connection between the baffle plate extension and the at least one flange includes a tab extending downwardly from the flange and a slot formed in the baffle plate extension for receiving the tab. wherein the slidable connection between the baffle plate extension and the spacer pair includes a pair of clips formed on the baffle plate extension, one clip of the pair of clips being connected to the spacer 16. The retail merchandise tray of Claim 15, wherein the other clip of said pair of clips is connected to one spacer of a pair and the other clip of said pair of clips is connected to the other spacer of said pair of spacers.
[Appendix 17]
a baffle plate connected to the spacer pair, the baffle plate including a pair of clips, one clip of the clip pair connected to one spacer of the spacer pair, and the other clip of the clip pair is connected to the other spacer of the spacer pair.
[Appendix 18]
further comprising a shelf mount arrangement for mounting said retail merchandise tray to a shelf, said shelf mount arrangement comprising:
a mounting plate removably attached to one of the spacer pair, the mounting plate having an extension configured to extend into an aperture of the shelf to secure the tray to the shelf; or
a plurality of mounting rails configured to be mounted to the retail shelf and at least one mounting tab spaced apart to receive the at least one mounting tab in spaces between adjacent teeth; teeth, and wherein the at least one mounting tab is formed on the front stop
18. The retail merchandise tray of Clause 17, comprising any of
[Appendix 19]
the front stop includes a mount portion and an upright portion, the mount portion being integrally molded with the upright portion as a rigid, one-piece component or molded as a separate piece from the upright portion. 19, wherein a hinge is formed between said upright portion and said mount portion to allow said upright portion to rotate relative to said mount portion about said hinge; Retail merchandise tray as described.
[Appendix 20]
The transverse element includes a pair of opposed ends with a key formed adjacent each end of the opposed ends, each key respectively corresponding to each load bearing member of the pair of load bearing members. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the pair of load bearing members are arranged to pass through keyways formed in the members such that the pair of load bearing members are interposed between the keys formed on each end of the transverse members. Retail merchandise tray.
[Appendix 21]
a pair of opposing load bearing members;
a front stop mounted to the pair of load bearing members;
A wire support structure, said wire support structure comprising a transverse element and at least one longitudinal element extending from said transverse element, said transverse element comprising a pair of opposed ends, said a key formed adjacent each of the opposing ends, each key disposed to pass through a respective keyway formed in each load bearing member of the pair of load bearing members; said wire support structure whereby said load bearing member pairs are interposed between said keys formed at each end of said transverse members;
A pusher mounted to the wire support structure, the pusher moving along the wire support structure in a first axis direction toward and away from the front stop. the pusher capable of
at least one divider assembly movable relative to the pair of opposing load bearing members in a second axis perpendicular to the first axis;
a pair of spacers aligned along the first axis, interposed between the pair of load bearing members and underlying the wire support frame;
retail merchandise trays containing
[Appendix 22]
The at least one divider assembly includes a pair of divider assemblies, the pair of divider assemblies are movable about the second axis, and the pair of load bearing members are interposed between the pair of divider assemblies. 22. The retail merchandise tray of Clause 21, wherein said pairs of divider assemblies are arranged as follows.
[Appendix 23]
The wire support structure has first and second opposite ends, the wire support structure is removably attached to the front stop at the first end and at the second end. 22. The retail merchandise tray of Claim 21, removably attached to said load bearing member pair at a portion.
[Appendix 24]
24. The retail merchandise tray of Claim 23, wherein said partition wall includes an upright portion having opposite sides and a flange extending perpendicular to said upright portion from at least one of said opposite sides.
[Appendix 25]
The at least one divider assembly includes a baffle plate extension connected to the at least one flange by a slidable connection, the baffle plate extension slidable relative to the spacer pair. and mounted to each spacer of said spacer pair by a slidable connection so as to be slidable relative to said partition wall.
[Appendix 26]
The slidable connection between the baffle plate extension and the at least one flange includes a tab extending downwardly from the flange and a slot formed in the baffle plate extension for receiving the tab. wherein the slidable connection between the baffle plate extension and the spacer pair includes a pair of clips formed on the baffle plate extension, one clip of the pair of clips being connected to the spacer 26. The retail merchandise tray of Clause 25, wherein the other clip of said pair of clips is connected to one spacer of a pair and the other clip of said pair of clips is connected to the other spacer of said pair of spacers.
[Appendix 27]
a baffle plate connected to the spacer pair, the baffle plate including a pair of clips, one clip of the clip pair connected to one spacer of the spacer pair, and the other clip of the clip pair is connected to the other spacer of the spacer pair.
[Appendix 28]
further comprising a shelf mount arrangement for mounting said retail merchandise tray to a shelf, said shelf mount arrangement comprising:
a mounting plate removably attached to one of the spacer pair, the mounting plate having an extension configured to extend into an aperture of the shelf to secure the tray to the shelf; or
a plurality of mounting rails configured to be mounted to the retail shelf and at least one mounting tab spaced apart to receive the at least one mounting tab in spaces between adjacent teeth; teeth, and wherein the at least one mounting tab is formed on the front stop
22. The retail merchandise tray of Clause 21, comprising any of
[Appendix 29]
the front stop includes a mount portion and an upright portion, the mount portion being integrally molded with the upright portion as a rigid, one-piece component or molded as a separate piece from the upright portion. 29, wherein a hinge is formed between said upright portion and said mount portion to allow said upright portion to rotate relative to said mount portion about said hinge; Retail merchandise tray as described.
[Appendix 30]
22. The retail item of clause 21, wherein said at least one divider assembly includes a divider wall and a wire support pair, said wire support pair removably attached to said divider by a resilient connection. tray.

Claims (15)

a pair of opposing load bearing members;
a front stop mounted to the pair of load bearing members;
A wire support structure having opposed first and second ends, said wire support structure being removably attached to said front stop at said first end and at said second end. the wire support structure removably attached to the pair of load bearing members at
A pusher mounted to the wire support structure, the pusher moving along the wire support structure in a first axis direction toward and away from the front stop. the pusher capable of
at least one divider assembly movable relative to the pair of opposing load bearing members in a second axis perpendicular to the first axis;
a pair of spacers aligned along the first axis, interposed between the pair of load bearing members and underlying a wire support structure ;
retail merchandise trays containing The wire support structure includes a transverse element and at least one longitudinal element extending from the transverse element, the transverse element including a pair of opposed ends, each end of the opposed ends keys are formed adjacent to the portions, each key disposed to pass through a keyway formed in each load bearing member of the pair of load bearing members, respectively, whereby the load bearing members 2. A retail merchandise tray according to claim 1, wherein a pair is interposed between said keys formed at each end of said transverse element . a pair of opposing load bearing members;
a front stop mounted to the pair of load bearing members;
A wire support structure including a transverse element and at least one longitudinal element extending from said transverse element, said at least one longitudinal element extending parallel to said pair of load bearing members for supporting said load bearing members. the wire support structure interposed between the pair of load members;
A pusher mounted to the wire support structure, the pusher moving along the wire support structure in a first axis direction toward and away from the front stop. the pusher capable of
at least one divider assembly moveable relative to the pair of opposing load bearing members in a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, the at least one divider assembly comprising a divider said at least one partition assembly comprising a wall and a wire support pair, said wire support pair removably attached to said partition wall by a resilient connection;
a pair of spacers aligned along the first axis, interposed between the pair of load bearing members and underlying the wire support structure , the wire supports of the at least one divider assembly ; said spacer pair for receiving an object;
retail merchandise trays containing The wire support structure has first and second opposite ends, the wire support structure is removably attached to the front stop at the first end and at the second end. 4. The retail merchandise tray of claim 3, removably attached to said load bearing member pair at a portion. The transverse element includes a pair of opposed ends with a key formed adjacent each end of the opposed ends, each key respectively corresponding to each load bearing member of the pair of load bearing members. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the pair of load bearing members are arranged to pass through keyways formed in the members so that the pair of load bearing members are interposed between the keys formed on each end of the transverse element . retail merchandise tray. a pair of opposing load bearing members;
a front stop mounted to the pair of load bearing members;
A wire support structure, said wire support structure comprising a transverse element and at least one longitudinal element extending from said transverse element, said transverse element comprising a pair of opposed ends, said a key formed adjacent each of the opposing ends, each key disposed to pass through a respective keyway formed in each load bearing member of the pair of load bearing members; said wire support structure whereby said pair of load bearing members are interposed between said keys formed at each end of said transverse element ;
A pusher mounted to the wire support structure, the pusher moving along the wire support structure in a first axis direction toward and away from the front stop. the pusher capable of
at least one divider assembly movable relative to the pair of opposing load bearing members in a second axis perpendicular to the first axis;
a pair of spacers aligned along the first axis, interposed between the pair of load bearing members and underlying the wire support structure ;
retail merchandise trays containing The at least one divider assembly includes a pair of divider assemblies, the pair of divider assemblies are movable about the second axis, and the pair of load bearing members are interposed between the pair of divider assemblies. 7. A retail merchandise tray according to claim 1, 3, 4, or 6, wherein said pairs of divider assemblies are arranged in such a way as to. The wire support structure has first and second opposite ends, the wire support structure is removably attached to the front stop at the first end and at the second end. 7. The retail merchandise tray of claim 6, removably attached to said load bearing member pair at a portion. 4. The at least one partition assembly includes a partition wall, the partition wall including an upright portion having opposed sides, and a flange extending from at least one of the opposed sides perpendicular to the upright portion. 9. Retail merchandise tray according to 1, 3, 4, 6 or 8. The at least one divider assembly includes a baffle plate extension connected to the at least one flange by a slidable connection, the baffle plate extension slidable relative to the spacer pair. and mounted to each spacer of said spacer pair by a slidable connection so as to be slidable relative to said partition wall. The slidable connection between the baffle plate extension and the at least one flange includes a tab extending downwardly from the flange and a slot formed in the baffle plate extension for receiving the tab. wherein the slidable connection between the baffle plate extension and the spacer pair includes a pair of clips formed on the baffle plate extension, one clip of the pair of clips being connected to the spacer 11. The retail merchandise tray of claim 10, connected to one spacer of a pair and wherein the other clip of said clip pair is connected to the other spacer of said spacer pair. a baffle plate connected to the spacer pair, the baffle plate including a pair of clips, one clip of the clip pair connected to one spacer of the spacer pair, and the other clip of the clip pair is connected to the other spacer of said spacer pair. further comprising a shelf mount arrangement for mounting said retail merchandise tray to a shelf, said shelf mount arrangement comprising:
a mounting plate removably attached to one of said spacer pair, said mounting plate having an extension configured to extend into an aperture of said shelf for securing said retail merchandise tray to said shelf; or
a plurality of mounting rails configured to be mounted to the retail shelf and at least one mounting tab spaced apart to receive the at least one mounting tab in spaces between adjacent teeth 13. The retail merchandise tray of any one of claims 1, 6, or 12, wherein said mounting rail includes: teeth and said at least one mounting tab is formed on said front stop. . the front stop includes a mount portion and an upright portion, the mount portion being integrally molded with the upright portion as a rigid, one-piece component or molded as a separate piece from the upright portion. 2. Any of the preceding claims, wherein a hinge is formed between the upright portion and the mount portion to allow the upright portion to rotate relative to the mount portion about the hinge. 14. or a retail merchandise tray according to 13. 7. The at least one partition assembly according to claim 1 or 6, wherein said at least one partition assembly comprises a partition wall and a pair of wire supports, said pair of wire supports being removably attached to said partition wall by elastic connections. Retail merchandise tray as described.

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